In Paris, the Festive Season always begins a month earlier; thousands of Christmas illuminations come to life as soon as November approaches, delighting people during a whole month and a half.

From Boulevard Haussmann’s department stores to the Champs-Elysées, you’ll stroll into the core of an incandescent world, which makes Paris at night properly magic.

First, you’ll admire the 2018 arrangements of Parisian department stores’ show windows, the one where Parisians rushed at Christmas even before WWI ; a century old tradition! You’ll be amazed by thematic scenes and amusing automatons, displayed along the boulevard by two Parisian brands.

We will start at the Galeries Lafayette that houses the biggest inner Christmas tree of Paris. Under its impressive Art Deco dome, a 15-meter high Christmas tree looks down on you. Depending on the year, it could be blue, red or green, furnished with baubles, garlands, flowers, or simply made out of paper. Sometimes, it is hung upside down. You will discover the 2018 version of the most luxurious Christmas tree in Paris.

The very best way to fully enjoy Paris' Christmas illuminations

On your way to Place de la Madeleine, you’ll walk streets and avenues turned into paradisiac alleyways, under colorful and sparkling canopies. Near La Madeleine Church lies a neighborhood with an old-style carousel and Fauchon, one of the most luxurious Parisian caterers. Since 130 years, its window cases provide another kind of marvels.

You will walk Down Rue Royale, before getting inside the Tuileries' Christmas Market. There you’ll get warmer with a typical Christmas beverage – mulled wine or spiced hot chocolate, while enjoying this lovely place. Then the great show given on Place de la Concorde is all yours.

From Concorde square, you will get to see the marvellous Seine river and the Champs-Elysees splendidely illuminated.

Is this tour okay for children?

Of course! Even the smallest ones will be delighted by some Christmas illuminations coming from department stores installations, specially made for them.

Could the weather be an obstacle for this Christmas illuminations tour?

Paris never witnesses heavy snow so there is no obstacle to walk during winter. You just need to dress warmly.

Is there any possibility to do some shopping during the tour?

We know that this can be frustrating to see so many attractive window shops but time is limited and we cannot stop for shopping. We recommend you to mark your favorite shops and visit them after your Christmas Illuminations Walking Tour in Paris.